MBCT is an alternative approach to depression treatment, specifically recurrent depression. Patients who do not respond to medications or more conventional therapies may find relief through MBCT. 

MBCT involves accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment rather than trying to push them out of consciousness, with a goal of correcting cognitive distortions.

MBCT focuses on targeting negative thinking and aims to help people who are very vulnerable to recurring depression stop depressed moods from spiraling out of control into a full episode of depression. MBCT helps patients to understand how depression affects them and to identify when their mood begins to spiral downward. The patient will understand what makes them vulnerable to depression and learn how to counteract the downward spiral of emotions before it can affect their lives.